Introduction

Several eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 26% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014.

Indicateurs macroéconomiques

The economy is projected to recover from the temporary weakness in the last quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016 related to the expiry of EU funds and the sharp decline of economic relations with Russia. Strong wage growth underpins solid spending by private households. Uncertainty is holding back investment, but this will be gradually overcome once the recovery of the euro area generates healthier export markets.

The accommodative monetary conditions provided by the ECB will make it easier for investment to recover, which is important for continuing Latvia’s catch-up to the higher incomes of the Nordic region. Fiscal policy is on track to achieve its targets. Structural policies need to prioritise measures which increase productivity and improve social cohesion.

Productivity will be crucial in the catch-up process. Policies need to continue improving the business environment and strengthening the capacity of the vocational education system to provide graduates with employable and internationally competitive skills. Stepping up tax collection will widen the fiscal room to finance growth-enhancing structural reforms and reduce taxes on low wages.

Le Luxembourg et le pays

Existing conventions and agreements

Non double taxation agreement

In order to promote international economic and financial relations in the interest of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg government negotiates bilateral agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on fortune with third countries.

Plus d'informations

Foreign Trade

The Statec Foreign Trade statistics provide information on the trade of goods - by product and by country. This information is collected respectively through the INTRASTAT declaration and on the basis of customs documents.

Country risk as defined by Office du Ducroire for Latvia

Ducroire is the only credit insurer covering open account deals in over 200 countries. A rating on a scale from 1 to 7 shows the intensity of the political risk. Category 1 comprises countries with the lowest political risk and category 7 countries with the highest. Macroeconomics experts also assess the repayment climate for all buyers in a country.